As with Paul’s post yesterday, relevant covers or cover images may not be available yet, in which case I shall either deploy one from an earlier book in a series, or use none.

Now, onward to what Karen is looking forward to in 2017.

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Karen McMillan’s Five Most-Anticipated Books for 2017

There are many books that I’ve heard information about that I am looking forward to reading in 2017. Here are five that I would like to share with you:

The March of the Foxgloves by Karyn Hay

Historical Fiction

Actually, this book has just published, but many people probably won’t get to read it until 2017, so I’ve included it here. Photographer Frances Woodward arrives from London to the far-flung colony of New Zealand in 1893, wanting to forge a new path of her own making, not the constraints of her puritanical father. She is also escaping the cruelties of 19th Century narcissist, Benedict Hunt, in a story about overcoming obsession. This is a well-written novel that is also very humorous. This is the first in a trilogy, and I can’t wait to read more. A very entertaining read!

City of Friends by Joanna Trollope

Contemporary

This is the twentieth novel from this bestselling author, so you are in very capable hands – and I’ve been fortunate to read an advance copy. Stacey Grant loses her high-flying job and feels like it is the last day of her life. As she struggles with the contrast of her previous professional life for one that now consists of long boring days at home with her dog and ailing mother, at least she knows she has her oldest friends to rely on. But her friends are having personal problems of their own, and soon long cherished friendships are pushed to the limit. This is a very believable and engaging read that is character-driven and emotionally compelling.

The Most Beautiful Women in Florence by Alyssa Palombo

Historical Fiction

I don’t have any information on this book yet, except the fact it’s the second novel by the author of The Violinist of Venice, a book I adored that published in 2015.

Her first book was a lyrical, beautifully written historical novel set in Italy, so I hope that Alyssa Palombo’s new novel will have the same magical elements!

A Column of Fire by Ken Follett

Historical Thriller

A Column of Fire will form one of the ‘Kingsbridge’ series, with The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. It is a spy story set in the sixteenth century, during the reign of Elizabeth I of England. Ken Follett is a storyteller who meticulously researches for his books, so this is definitely a book to look forward to later in 2017!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah wrote the heart-wrenching historical novel, The Nightingale. I don’t know what her new novel is about, but she is such a fantastic writer, I can’t wait to read her latest offering. It will be publishing the end of 2017.

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Karen McMillan

About Karen McMillan:

Karen McMillan is the author of Unbreakable Spirit, The Paris of the East, and The Paris of the West — but despite this typically modest bio there is a great deal more to Karen’s writing and industry career, which you can read about in more detail here. She is also on Twitter: @KarenMcMillanNZ

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To read the previous instalment in this Top 5 “Most Anticipated in 2017” series, click on:

"THE HEIR OF NIGHT by Helen Lowe is a richly told tale of strange magic, dark treachery and conflicting loyalties, set in a well realized world."--Robin Hobb

Thornspell

Jacket art by Antonio Javier Caparo

Thornspell is my first novel and is published by Knopf (Random House Children's Books, USA). It won the Sir Julius Vogel Award 2009 for Best Novel: Young Adult and was a Storylines Childrens' Literature Trust Notable Book 2009.